We don’t have Open Days.We have an Open School
Every day is an Open Day.
Our doors are open
We do not wait for a special day to show you who we are. Our doors are open because we are confident in the learning, the people and the experience our students receive every day.
Come and see the school as it really is — lessons in progress, students learning, teachers teaching, our community at work.
We’re open Monday to Friday, 08:30 until 16:00.
No staged event. No polished performance. Just ISSwitzerland.
How a visit works
Book your visit
Any school day, between 08:30 and 16:00. Book now and visit our school.
Report to reception and sign in
The school is at Corso Enrico Pestalozzi 9, in the centre of Lugano, within walking distance of the railway station.
Meet the admissions team
Someone from admissions receives you and shows you the school as it is that day.
Ask what matters to you
Class sizes, languages, how your child would settle in: the questions below are a good start.
Where to find us
The school is at Corso Enrico Pestalozzi 9, 6900 Lugano, in the centre of the city, within walking distance of Lugano railway station. Families from Como and Varese come across the border on the A2 motorway or by train on the Milan to Chiasso line. The directions page has the map and the routes; write to admin@isswitzerland.ch if you would like directions before you set out.
Other ways to visit
The information evening, the Taster Day and the individual visit continue alongside the Open School. What each includes, and how long it takes, is confirmed when you book.
An information evening
A group evening for families considering the school: the programme explained, the questions of several families answered at once.
A Taster Day
A day in the year group your child would join, so the child sees the school rather than hearing about it.
An individual visit
A private appointment: a tour of the school on a working day and a conversation about your child in particular.
Come and experience ISSwitzerland
Any school day, 08:30 to 16:00. Book now and visit our school.
Details and questions
Visiting at a glance
| Open School | Make a booking to come visit us on any school day, Monday to Friday from 08:30-16:00. Every day is an open day. In addition to the individual school tours, we also have information evenings and a Taster Day for your child in their year group. |
| Holidays and closures | The school is staffed during the school holidays so feel free to book in a visit. We are closed over Christmas, public holidays and a few days a year during whole-school trips and events. Our school calendar shows you the dates for the current school year. |
| Language | Tours are held in Italian or English, whichever you prefer. |
| Who should come | Feel free to bring your child/children with you to the individual school tours. |
| Before you apply | Visit the school first to find out if it’s the right fit for your family. We can go through the application process with you after the initial visit. |
| Coming from abroad | Families who are relocating often combine their school visit with their house-hunting trip. Book a visit on any school day while you are in Lugano, or write to us and we can arrange a time that fits into your travel plans. |
Every visit is booked in advance, the Open School included. The time is confirmed when you book.
Questions about visiting
Do we need to book a visit?
Yes. Every school day is open from 08:30 to 16:00, but please book your visit first; on the day, report to reception and sign in. You can also book an information evening, a Taster Day or an individual visit.
Should we bring our child?
For a Taster Day, yes; the day is built around your child joining the year group they would enter. For the Open School or an individual visit it is up to you.
Do we have to apply before we visit?
No. The visit comes first. An application only follows if you decide the school is right for your family.
Can we see a lesson?
Yes. You see the school as it is on the day: lessons in progress, students learning, teachers teaching.
How long does a visit take?
As long as you need, within the school day. The time is confirmed when you book, so you can plan the journey.
Are there still open days?
Every school day is open. The information evening and the Taster Day continue as additional options; dates are published on the admissions page as they are confirmed.
Can we visit during the school holidays?
Yes, except over Christmas. The Open School follows the school calendar: in the school holidays there are no lessons, but the office is staffed and you can still see the school and ask your questions. The school is closed over Christmas, on public holidays and on a few days with external exams, whole-school trips or events.
Can we visit if we are relocating and not yet in Ticino?
Yes. Book a visit on any school day while you are in Lugano. If you would rather fix a time around your travel, write to us. Our relocating to Lugano page covers permits, the local school system and the practical steps.
What language will the visit be in?
English or Italian, whichever you prefer. English is the language of instruction and Italian is taught alongside it, so both are spoken every day at the school.
How do we get there, and is there parking?
The school is in the centre of Lugano, within walking distance of the railway station; the directions page has the map and routes from Como, Varese and Milan. Parking is in public car parks and blue zones nearby.